Kokashita Park: A New Initiative for Small Business Growth in Tokyo Suburbs

In January 2026, a transformative community initiative named Kokashita Park will launch near Higashi-Koganei Station in Tokyo, spearheaded by Town Kitchen, a company focused on urban development through entrepreneurship support. The park will encompass several existing facilities and a new building, Club House, creating a cohesive space dedicated to nurturing small businesses and local economic growth.

A Comprehensive Entrepreneurial Environment

The intention behind Kokashita Park is to foster a “small economy” that thrives through local entrepreneurship. This concept is manifested through a series of interconnected facilities designed to support small businesses: KO-TO, PO-TO, and MA-TO. Currently, over 150 businesses operate within these spaces, each contributing to the vibrant entrepreneurial atmosphere.

KO-TO (Higashi-Koganei Business Creation Center)

Established in April 2014, KO-TO serves as a public startup support center, offering a one-stop service for budding entrepreneurs. It provides access to co-working spaces and shared offices, crucial for those starting out in their business ventures.

PO-TO

Opened in September 2017, PO-TO is a unique mixed-use facility that combines shops and offices under one roof. Taking advantage of its elevated location, this space has successfully converted vacant areas into active business hubs, enabling small businesses to take their first steps in a nurturing environment.

MA-TO

Launched in March 2019, MA-TO focuses on supporting food-related startups. Its state-of-the-art shared kitchen, known as 8K, has become a sought-after location for culinary entrepreneurs, allowing them to realize their dreams, whether it be baking, cooking, or running a café.

Club House: A Hub for Collaboration

The upcoming Club House, scheduled to open alongside Kokashita Park, will play a pivotal role in fostering community engagement and collaboration. This facility will not only manage KO-TO, PO-TO, and MA-TO but will also serve as a hub for entrepreneurial consultations and a place where citizens can come together to learn and exchange ideas.

At Club House, visitors will find Kokashita Stand, providing information and guided tours, along with coffee and book sales, making it a welcoming space for the community. The Club will offer consultations for aspiring entrepreneurs and help them navigate real estate utilization, including the potential for transforming vacant properties into vibrant business sites.

Promoting Community Competence through Kokashita LAB

In conjunction with the launch of Kokashita Park, the Kokashita LAB program will be introduced. This initiative will run from November 29, 2025, to March 7, 2026, and aims to empower participants to translate their ideas into actionable projects. Building on past successes that have seen over 340 participants engage in community-oriented projects, the LAB will feature workshops focused on prototyping ideas, thus establishing bonds with the local community and creating synergistic collaborations.

The culmination of Kokashita LAB will be an exhibition where participants can showcase their projects at Kokashita Park, highlighting the opportunities available for aspiring entrepreneurs and local residents to immerse themselves in the entrepreneurial spirit.

Conclusion

As the completion of Kokashita Park approaches, its vision of a community-driven space dedicated to small business growth is clearer than ever. By connecting various support facilities and enriching the local entrepreneurial ecosystem, Town Kitchen is setting the stage for a thriving small economy in Tokyo's suburbs. The engagement of local citizens and aspiring entrepreneurs within this framework can lead to innovative projects, reinforcing a cycle of local economic development.

For more information about Kokashita Park and participation in Kokashita LAB, please visit Town Kitchen's Official Website.